What is the alcohol content of a gin and tonic?
It depends on the recipe. Gin is typically 80 proof (40% ABV), and NIAAA counts a 1.5 fl oz serving as one standard drink. Mixed with 4 fl oz of tonic water, the glass is about 11% ABV (our calculation).
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NIAAA lists 80-proof gin at 40% ABV, with 1.5 fl oz equal to 0.6 fl oz of pure alcohol. Our calculation: 0.6 fl oz of alcohol in 5.5 fl oz of liquid (1.5 gin + 4 tonic) is about 10.9% ABV. Ice melting lowers this slightly. We assume the tonic adds no alcohol.
How the count changes
| Gin pour (40%) | Standard drinks |
|---|---|
| 1.5 fl oz | 1 |
| 3 fl oz | 2 |
| 4.5 fl oz | 3 |
Bars often pour more than 1.5 fl oz, and NIAAA notes that cocktail recipes often exceed one standard drink. Home pours vary too, so measure.
Use the standard drink calculator to enter your own pour. If you take medicines or have health concerns, ask a doctor or pharmacist about alcohol.
People also ask
How many standard drinks is a gin and tonic?
One with a 1.5 fl oz pour of 80-proof gin; a double has two.
What is the ABV of gin?
NIAAA lists 80-proof gin at 40% alcohol by volume.
Are cocktails more than one drink?
NIAAA says cocktail recipes often exceed one standard drink's worth of alcohol.
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